Rafael Nadal has been warned against going down the same path as Andy Murray in retirement.
Just four months after ending his career at the Olympics, the Brit announced that he would begin coaching one of his greatest rivals, Novak Djokovic.
Although Express Sport readers have tipped Murray to enjoy success with the world No. 7, they believe Nadal should avoid the coaching route.
This year has been a big one for high-profile retirements, with a number of Grand Slam champions hanging up their rackets. Dominic Thiem and Angelique Kerber are among those who have stepped away.
Murray and Nadal also bid farewell to the sport. The Brit bowed out following defeat in the Olympics men’s doubles quarter-final, and Nadal followed suit at the Davis Cup Finals in November, entering retirement when Spain lost.
Three-time Major winner Murray has already found a new job, becoming Djokovic’s coach for the off-season and the Australian Open. As tennis fans wait to see what direction Nadal goes in retirement, there’s one path they don’t want him to take.
Asked whether the Spaniard should copy Murray by becoming a coach, 59 per cent of Express Sport readers said no. Nadal has not confirmed his next move, though he has announced a Netflix documentary series.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion recently appeared at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah as part of his role as a Saudi Tennis ambassador. Nadal has also shown interest in other sports since retiring.
He entered a golf tournament in Mallorca and travelled to the UK, first stopping off at the Manchester City academy before heading to Anfield to watch his beloved Real Madrid take on Liverpool.
Although Express Sport tennis fans don’t want to see Nadal become a coach, they are still backing Murray to taste success as Djokovic’s mentor. 55 per cent said the Serb would win a title with Murray in his corner.
The world No. 7 will start his season at the Brisbane International, which kicks off on December 29. Murray won’t join him there and is instead set to head to Melbourne to help Djokovic win a record-extending 11th Australian Open crown.
Murray reached five Australian Open finals in his career but never got his hands on the trophy, losing four of those finals to Djokovic. This time, he will be in his rival’s corner, rooting for him to win.
After signing on to coach Djokovic, the two-time Olympic champion said: “I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.”
Djokovic added: “I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach. Looking forward to start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk